Children ready for goodies at local Halloween events

Children in Newton and Jasper County are in for a treat this weekend as trick or treat events are scheduled to celebrate Halloween.

In Newton, children will have several options of how to spend their Halloween night getting candy, prizes and having fun.

Halloween celebrations in Newton will kick off Saturday with Trick or Treat Downtown, sponsored by the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce and scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday. A pet costume contest is set for 3 to 4 p.m. at Pet Kingdom, and trick-or-treating, along with a bean bag toss and ring toss, will be offered on the downtown Newton square from 4 to 6 p.m.

Beggar’s Night in Newton will follow from 6 to 8 p.m. 

Skiff Medical Center also will have its annual trick or treating from 6 to 8 p.m.. Due to the H1N1 outbreak in Jasper County, officials with Skiff said children and their families can visit the hospital where tents will be set up for trick or treaters. The tents will feature many scenes and Skiff employees in costume handing out candy.

Pence~Reese Funeral Home is sponsoring treats for the 26th year at a local assisted living facility. Treats will be given out by residents at the Newton Health Care Center, 200 S. Eighth Ave. W. in Newton, from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Members of First Assembly of God will be hosting a Trunk or Treat event at the church, 1029 E. 19th St. N. in Newton. The event will feature a variety of vans, cars and trucks decorated for the holiday. The event also will be from 6 to 8 p.m.

After the children have finished up their candy and fun, parents can have an evening on the town at the Purr-fect ‘70s Howloween Party at the Iowa Speedway is from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. The event will raise money for the Jasper County Animal Rescue League & Marion County Humane Society. There will be free food, silent auction, prizes, adoptable pets, and much more with the price of admission. For more information, please call (641) 791-8000 or visit www.iowaspeedway.com. Bring a bag of name brand dog/cat food to qualify for door prizes.